Rate Guide

Budget Getaways Review

Clouds End Farm (11km from Hermanus) gets its name from the wisp of cloud that so often blankets the tallest peak of Babylon’s Toring.

Not only might this creamy wisp be a familar sight on your weekend visit, but so will the awesome mountain views and open swathes of fynbos - all to be savoured from your voorstoep at one of three characterful cottages.

Helderfontein House (sleeps six) and The Pottery (sleeps four) are both over a century old, and beautifully renovated, while The Kaya (sleeps two) is a recent addition taking the form of a tastefully renovated cottage for two.

Helderfontein is the the largest of the three and what was once the original farmhouse. Sleeping six in three bedrooms (two Kings and a twin), the main of these is ensuite with bath, shower and loo, while the other two share a bathroom with shower.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all the gizmos (eg dishwasher), while the living area is open-plan and leads onto a lovely stoep and outside braai area with gobsmacking views. Oregon ceilings, sash windows and quality furnishings all add to the charm.

Moving on to The Pottery, this little number sleeps four in two bedrooms (King and a twin), with shared bathroom with shower and loo. The ex-pottery studio is compact and cosy, with oodles of farm character.

Again, the kitchen is well-equipped and open-plan to the lounge and dining area. Leading off from here is the stoep and more of those awesome vistas. Lying to the back is your secluded boma with firepit under a tree.

Last up, The Kaya is set under the shade of a large tree and is well suited to couples or a family with small kids. This quirky cottage has two bedrooms, the second a small room with extra double bed. You've got a well equipped setup here, with both indoor and outdoor fireplace and braai.

"We had an excellent stay and will definitely be back. The quality of accommodation was great, it felt very homely. The house was warm and the décor is great. The settings are very peaceful and our kids loved walking on the farm to see the horses. Looking forward to coming back."

(Graeme Saggers, visited Jul 2018)

"If you enjoy farm style living then this is the place to be! Stunning setting looking at the Babylonstoring mountain range and surrounded by beautiful fynbos gardens and green grass. The newly installed WiFi is great. The king size bed was welcome and the cottage is well kitted for cooking (think proper non-stick pans). Bring carrots and apples to feed the horses and pony, a real hit with the kids. It is close to all the local wine farms. Jannie, the host, is a breath of fresh air and very helpful. If you're looking for proper farm style living to escape the rat-race, then this is the place!"

(Trevor De Vries, visited Feb 2018)

"Such a wonderful, quiet place. We loved watching the clouds pass by in the early mornings, reading on the veranda and wandering down to the horse stables for a class or an out-ride. Hermanus is close enough for day trips to the beach but also far enough to be away from the hustle and bustle."

(Ariane De Lannoy, visited Jan 2018)

"What a super place to stay over if you are looking for peace and quiet. No wi-fi, no TV, reasonable cell phone reception; just time to relax! It is the ideal place for the kids with lawns to play on, horses in the paddocks, walks etc. Both houses offer excellent facilities and accommodation. Close to the top wine farms and restaurants of the valley and only 10mins from Hermanus.
Your host is a scream and very very hospitable!"

(Chris Crous, visited Oct 2017)

"A lovely spot for a short break away."

(Caryn Pottas, visited Oct 2017)

"A beautiful cottage in lovely setting. We will certainly be back."

(Kevin Tromp, visited Aug 2017)

"One of the best keep secrets in the Hemel-and-Aarde Valley. Both cottages are beautifully designed and furnished. The cottages is in harmony with nature and the views are breathtaking. If you are looking to spend quality time with your partner or friends look no further. Already looking forward to our stay in September!"

(Phillip Woest, visited Jan 2015)

"What a wonderful weekend in a beautiful place. Jannie was an awesome host and the house was perfect for our family of two adults and four kids. We will be back!"

(Lana Frost, visited Jul 2017)

"Lovely cottage. We were 3 couples and a baby and it was prefect! Will definitely be back soon."

(Lisa Martens, visited Jun 2017)

"My boyfriend and I stayed at The Pottery at the end of May 2017. The cottage and the setting were just absolutely stunning! It was so quiet and such a nice retreat from daily life. Even though it was chilly outside there were plenty of heating options inside the cottage which made it very comfortable. We got fresh fish from Hermanus one night and used the braai, and did some fantastic wine tasting at the nearby wineries. We would suggest Clouds End to anybody!"

(Alex Josephsen, visited May 2017)

"The level of service was brilliant, and the place was beautiful beyond measure. I would definitely recommend it to anyone"

(Tracy-Lee Dalton, visited May 2017)

"This place was just so beautiful and perfect for our group of three families. Jannie was the most amazing host and the houses contained everything one needed for a great weekend away. The setting is so peaceful with horses and stables just down the way. One is surrounded by fruit tree orchards and the most beautiful gardens. The kids played outside on the lawns whenever we were home. Hemel en Aarde is a fantastic wine route as well, with so many great places to explore and all child friendly. To top it off, I left something behind and Jannie went out of his way, bringing it to Postnet in Hermanus in order to courier it to me. The whole experience was way beyond expectation."

(Meg Osler, visited Apr 2017)

"We stayed at the Pottery - I picked it because it felt like it had more natural light. It has lots of windows and we really enjoyed it. The only thing I noticed is both places are close together so if you are staying at a busy time you could possibly bump into your neighbors. If you are a large gathering you could always rent both places and congregate on the lawns between the two places. We picked a time during the week so no one was staying at the house next door - which we loved as we were looking to be alone and away from people. All in all we enjoyed our stay and Jannie was very helpful. There is hardly any cellphone signal so enjoy a technology free holiday."

(B Griffiths, visited Mar 2017)

"Great service from Jannie and a well equipped kitchen. A perfect budget getaway spot."

(Andrew Cole, visited January 2016)

"This place was absolutely amazing. It is fitted out with just the best. Very comfortable beds and spectacular scenery. My only regret is that I could not stay longer. We highly recommend it. Definitely a gem."

(Marleze Van Loggerenberg, visited January 2015)

"We were among the first occupants of this wonderful getaway in the Hemel en Aarde valley. Beautifully renovated, fully equipped and very comfortable, with absolute attention to detail, we would definitely recommend it for any length of stay, weekend or longer holidays. Very convenient for the wine route, hiking, mountain biking and all the activities in Hermanus itself."

(Gail & Eddie Douglas, visited January 2014)

"The cottages at Clouds End farm are delightful. They are pretty, have rooms that are large enough for comfort and every mod-con that one could possibly require. The surrounding gardens are most attractive and the views are lovely. All in all it is certainly worthwhile staying in the peace, quiet and beauty at Clouds End cottages."